How To Fix IR208 - The validity period cannot be negative

IR208 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IR - PM: IMRC - Measurement Readings and Counters

• Message number: 208

• Message text: The validity period cannot be negative

What causes this issue?

You have tried to change the validity period of a measurement reading
transmission dependency, or the system wanted to do this automatically.

System Response

Before this change is written to the database, the system checks to
make sure that the start of the validity period &V1& &V2& lies before
the end of the validity period &V3& V4&.

How to fix this error?

Correct the start and end dates of the validity period.

Procedure for System Administrators

If the validity period cannot be corrected directly by the user, this
message is triggered as a runtime error so that you can branch directly
to the debugger mode.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IR208 - The validity period cannot be negative ?

  The SAP error message IR208, "The validity period cannot be negative," typically occurs in the context of managing master data, particularly when dealing with validity periods for certain objects like materials, contracts, or other master records. This error indicates that the system has detected an inconsistency where the start date of a validity period is later than the end date, resulting in a negative duration.
  
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entries: The most common cause is that the user has entered a start date that is later than the end date for a validity period.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  User Input Errors: Manual entry errors can lead to incorrect date combinations.
  System Configuration: In some cases, the configuration settings for validity periods may not align with business requirements.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the validity period dates entered in the relevant transaction.